The consistent Battledance opened his winning account at start four over 1050m at Rockhampton on Monday to credit his first season sire Invader with his third winner from as many runners.
Ridden by Nathan Day for trainer Kacy Fogden, Battledance stalked the leader Princess Marian before drawing away in the closing stages to defeat a trio of Better Than Ready two-year-olds led by Princess Marian from Bonaugura.
Fourth at his first two starts at Eagle Farm and Doomben, Battledance prepped for his maiden victory with a third on a heavy track at Ipswich.
A homebred for Fung Family Racing, Battledance is the second named foal and first winner for the 3-time stakes-winner Fascinatin' Rhythm (USA).
The daughter of More Than Ready (USA) won seven races in North America and was Grade II placed. Her colt by Showtime was purchased by Avesta Bloodstock/Ambergate Stud for $20,000 from the KBL Thoroughbreds draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale.
Fascinatin' Rhythm (USA) missed to Dubious last spring.
Invader joins his fellow Queenslander Heroic Valour on top of the first season sire chart for the number of winners.
He follows the impressive Morphettville winner Celtic Vader and first start Townsville winner Sweet Fantasy.
A Group 1 winning son of Snitzel, Invader stands at Aquis Farm for a fee of $22,000.
